We like to think of hair as another accessory we can add to our complete outfit arsenal. The problem is that certain hairstyles can feel a little boring after a while. Bombshell waves can really build confidence (and add height) for that date with a special someone, and sleek and straight hair is fun and flirty for a girls’ night out, but sometimes, you just want more and those go-to looks can leave you feeling meh.

We hear you on that. You know we’re into adding a touch of funk to our styles, which is why we love throwing in a braid or two — or 50.

Braids are so versatile and chic, too. Celebs are finishing off red carpet dresses with a sleek intertwined bunch of hair with a side-part and wispy bangs, to boot. And, how jealous are you of the girl sitting next to you at brunch with a perfectly undone braid peeping out of her leather baseball cap? So. Jealous.

Braids are everywhere, and who knew there were so many different kinds? A braid is no longer just the braid your mom gave you when she didn’t know what to do with your mop of a head. Now, the options are endless. One day, you could show off a French braid, the next a fishtail braid, then cornrows, then a lobster tail, and on Friday complete your week of braids with a combination of each. Who says you can’t combine the traditional primness of a French braid with the standout look of cornrows? We say, go for it.

The vocabulary alone can seem daunting. Box braids cover your whole head and are made by parting your hair into different sections. A Dutch braid is an inverted French braid. Waterfall braids make a halo, but standard braids can help you form a crown.

Whoa. Are you confused yet? Don’t be. We may not all be hairdressers, but we are hair experts (with a ton of great hairdressers on speed dial). Our team has researched how to recreate all these looks, and then some, so you can stay on top of your braid game. Can’t braid? No problem. We’ve got tips for how to fake it, too.